Deep House Yoga at Necto Stretches the Beat

Most residents of Ann Arbor head to Club Necto when they want a drink, or to listen to awesome DJs and do a little dancing. But lately, Necto has started hosting a different kind of event. Instead of getting down to techno music, some Ann Arborites are heading out to work up a sweat in a more peaceful and relaxed manner.

Southpaw Events presents Deep House Yoga (DHY) has been running events once a month at Club Necto, in addition to other events in Detroit. Their program combines vinyasa yoga with soothing Deep House music and plenty of mood lighting.

Southpaw is a partnership between organizer Anthony Legghio, DJ Alissa Seymoure and yoga instructor Carol Manown, cooking up a whole different yoga experience.

“I met Alissa (Seymoure) about three years back through a mutual friend. We became close as we both worked in the music industry, and from there I became her manager for DJ gigs,” said Legghio. “Alissa actually came to me with the idea, but needed help converting an idea to an actual event.”

A different vibe

Heading into Necto on a quiet Tuesday night, the usual pulse-pounding soundtrack and jam-packed dance floor is replaced by a soothing, rhythmic tune that crests gently in the background. Around thirty people are reclining on yoga mats on the dance floor, stretching and preparing for the workout ahead.

It’s a peaceful scene, but once we get started, our instructor Manown doesn’t take it easy on us. For her, the unique setting helps with her intense routine.

“Each person has a different feel for how the atmosphere affects their class. Personally, it allows me to feel open to dance and let go more so than in any other yoga class,” said Manown. “Deep House music has a special way of keeping me in poses I normally wouldn’t hold for long periods and also lets me keep a beat in my step throughout the entire class.”

As the poses get more and more difficult, I quickly expose myself as an inflexible beginner. Luckily, just when it feels like my legs are about to give out — or my hamstrings about to snap — Manown switches things up. It’s easy to lose yourself in the soundtrack, and throughout the workout, Manown makes sure to assure the group that if we can’t complete a pose, there are other options available.

Newbies welcome

“I recommend coming to a DHY class with an open mind and playful attitude. If you are a beginner to yoga in general I strongly recommend to talk to me before class so I can offer modifications and anything else that would be helpful in keeping your experience safe, comfortable and fun,” said Manown. “I wouldn’t want someone to miss out on the whole experience just because they feel they are not able to do a certain pose.”

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